Crispy Cheesy Mini Bagels (Print)

Crispy mini bagels topped with melted cheese, savory sauce, and flavorful toppings, ready in just 14 minutes.

# Components:

→ Bagels

01 - 6 mini plain bagels, halved

→ Sauce

02 - 1/2 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce

→ Cheese

03 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

→ Toppings

04 - 1/4 cup mini pepperoni slices or chopped regular pepperoni (optional)
05 - 2 tablespoons sliced black olives (optional)
06 - 2 tablespoons diced bell pepper (optional)
07 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning

# Directions:

01 - Preheat the air fryer to 375°F for 2 minutes.
02 - Arrange the mini bagel halves cut side up on a clean work surface.
03 - Spread about 2 teaspoons of pizza sauce on each bagel half.
04 - Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over each sauced bagel half.
05 - Top with desired optional toppings such as pepperoni, black olives, or bell peppers.
06 - Sprinkle a pinch of dried oregano or Italian seasoning over each.
07 - Place as many mini bagel pizzas as fit in a single layer into the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary.
08 - Air fry at 375°F for 5 to 6 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
09 - Remove carefully and allow to cool slightly before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They come together in under fifteen minutes, making them perfect for unexpected guests or when hunger strikes out of nowhere.
  • The air fryer does all the heavy lifting, turning simple bagels into crispy-edged, cheese-laden bites that taste infinitely more impressive than their five-ingredient simplicity suggests.
  • Everyone can customize their own, which means no complaints about toppings and everyone feels like they helped cook.
02 -
  • Don't skip the preheating step—a cold air fryer basket means uneven cooking and a soggy bottom that defeats the entire purpose of using an air fryer.
  • Less sauce is actually more here; too much will make your bagel pizzas soggy and prevent the cheese from browning properly, so measure and resist the urge to be generous.
03 -
  • Don't slice your bagels too thin or they'll dry out; they should be thick enough to hold toppings without falling apart when you pick them up.
  • If your cheese isn't browning, you're probably crowding the air fryer basket or the temperature isn't quite right—make sure each pizza has space around it and the air can circulate freely.
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